For Immediate Release
Contact: Lauren Wolk, lwolk@cultural-center.org, 508-394-7100.
Turn, Turn Turn: Cape Cod Wood Turners Spin Magic in New Exhibition
Members of the Cape Cod Wood Turners
South Yarmouth—The Cape Cod Wood Turners (CCWT) have long been partners with the Cultural Center of Cape Cod, exhibiting, teaching, mentoring, and helping to expand the Center’s Rise and Shine Program for youth at risk. To close out a dreary year, they have now mounted a spectacular exhibition of work ranging from small ornaments to large bowls, platters, vases, and many other excellent examples of the fine craft about which they are all so passionate. The exhibit, which runs through December 19, is free and open to the public, though mask usage and social distancing will be observed. Also on exhibit through the 19th, marine paintings by William R. Davis, a retrospective by Raymond Perry, and “Soliloquy,” oils by Lydia Mozzone. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5pm.
“It has been our great privilege to partner with the members of the CCWT in so many different and wonderful ways,” says Molly Demeulenaere, whose work with the Cultural Center has helped the organization not just survive the pandemic but thrive as it has met each new challenge with a creative and coordinated response. “This year, even during COVID-19, we have spent months raising funds for equipment for our makerspace, installing the equipment, and designing programming to expand our educational opportunities in 2021. We can’t wait for increased engagement with students of all ages, especially the teens we serve through Rise and Shine. They LOVE the CCWT and the work they’re learning to do on the lathes.”
And the wood turners love the students who are learning new skills, gaining confidence, and forging intergenerational relationships during the time they spend in the Center’s makerspace and studios.
Bourne’s Robin McIntyre understands how an artform can bridge the gaps between people. “I’ve been involved in the club for about ten years. My inspiration was my grandfather, who turned wood in his little stone basement shop in Connecticut. I remember, as a child, the shavings flying and the smell of the wood, and being with him. My learning curve has been little longer than many, but my skills have certainly improved over time, so I’ve gone from being mentored in the ‘Turn and Learn’ program to being a mentor myself. I’ve also been an officer in the club, which has increased both my involvement and enjoyment. Wood turning is very ‘Zenish.’ You get into a groove. You have to be focused on the work and let the clutter of the world go away.”
“It’s very cathartic,” says Dave Arnone, who has been with the group for eight years, since moving to South Yarmouth, though he was involved in turning well before that. “Wood turning absolutely puts me at ease and makes me so comfortable. A great pastime. I love wood and I love to see what comes out of each log and each piece. I’ve had the honor of being involved here at the Center, teaching and mentoring in their turning program. We do a lot of free mentoring through the club as well. If you’re interested in turning, please feel free to reach out to the CCWT club and we can get you started with an exploratory class.”
Dave’s wife, Sandra Arnone, is one of a dozen women in the group. “I’m a novice turner, in my second year of turning, learning under the tutelage of my husband and CCWT’s ‘Turn and Learn’ program,” she says. “I enjoy turning things in a real natural state. I like to leave bark on my pieces and use wood burning to create a vintage look. Very woodsy.”
“I’ve been a wood turner with the club for about eight years now,” says Mike Grady, also from South Yarmouth. “I don’t have a name for my style, but I take a very technical approach to all my work. Beyond that, though, there’s an artistic element involved, and I really appreciate that. A combination of the technical and the creative.”
In fact, the combination of art, craft, and science shows in all the work in the exhibition at the Cultural Center. The marriage of technique and imagination, different materials, and a vast array of results, from tiny delicate goblets to bowls reminiscent of canyons in earth tones and fascinating textures.
“It’s an art form with a great deal of functionality,” says Demeulenaere. “A perfect blend and balance.”
Other members of the Cape Cod Wood Turners whose work is on exhibit include Steve Abbott, Bruce Benwood, Clarke Buchanan, Deborah Chapin, Denis Casaubon, Ed Putnam, Toby Lorenzen, Hal Minis, Ron Reif, Bob Reynolds, Steve Treistman, Richard Wright, Sue Beardsley, and Jan Casiello.
For more information, visit www.cultural-center.org or call 508-394-7100. The Cultural Center of Cape Cod is located at 307 Old Main Street, South Yarmouth.